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Don’t expect “Johnson and Nolasco and then a fiasco” for Florida Marlins rotation

To hear the front office talk about the state of the Marlins’ starting rotation, it almost sounds like that old saying from the 1948 Boston Braves staff — “Spahn and Sain and pray for rain.” But I don’t think the Marlins’ situation in 2010 will turn out to be “Johnson and Nolasco and then a fiasco.” (Hey, at least it rhymes…)

Yes, six starters will compete for the final three rotation spots when camp opens next weekend. But the call here is that Chris Volstad and Anibal Sanchez get two of those spots.

Volstad, the organization’s top draft pick in 2005, is too talented to implode in 2010 — those 29 home runs in 29 starts last year be damned.

He’ll be the pet project of new pitching coach Randy St. Claire, who has been working with Volstad already to refine his delivery so it improves the efficiency of his sinker ball. If Volstad can do that along with add a slider to his arsenal, watch out.

The other interesting guy is Sanchez, who will arrive in camp with something he hasn’t had in Jupiter in a long time — peace of mind.

Sanchez’s shoulder problems, which landed him on the DL twice last year, appear to be over. Look at how he bounced back last year, after returning Aug. 21 from his final stint on the DL: He posted a 2.86 ERA he rest of the way, which was third lowest among NL pitchers down the stretch over that period.

Andrew Miller (right) signs autographs in West Palm Beach on Monday.

The final spot will be interesting. The Marlins would like to add a lefty to go with four other right-handers. But Andrew Miller and Sean West still have much to prove. Miller could end up with a bullpen spot.

But keep an eye on right-hander Rick VandenHurk, who posted a 3.33 ERA in September. “VandenHurk, more than anybody in September, improved his status,” Marlins baseball operations president Larry Beinfest said on Tuesday.